Fall tends to be a time of reflection for me. Maybe it’s the scent of autumn in the air, or maybe it’s because I’ve been staring at the jackets in our hall closet that date back to 1997 – I don’t really know. But there is one thing I do believe.

We’re moving too fast.

Last week, I was leaving work and heading toward the Interstate when I realized there was a very large SUV right behind me at a stoplight. The grill looked like it was practically in the trunk of my car. I pulled forward just a tad. So did the SUV driver. My immediate thought was to remind myself to call Second Born – who happens to have the same size vehicle – and reiterate that tailgating is very dangerous.

As we approached the highway entrance, the SUV left no space for anyone else to even think about sliding in between us. As soon as she saw an opportunity, the driver shot out from behind me and flew down the left lane, leaving me in her dust. I was relieved … and annoyed.

After she whipped along on her way to whatever important thing she had going on, I drove down the road singing along with the radio, noticing the changing leaves, happy to be out of the office and on my way home – at my own pace.

About 15 minutes later, I exited I-95 and turned off Route 195 to stop at the grocery store. Guess whose big old SUV was in the lane to the left of me, stuck at the light? Her big hurry had gotten her nowhere. I was tempted to give some sort of sign to let her know I recognized her car from when it was perilously close to my bumper. Fine, you’re right – my sign might not have been polite. But this isn’t about speeding or even tailgating. It’s about being in such a hurry that you miss everything else around you.

I’m not saying there aren’t emergencies that people need to get to. Several years ago, First Born needed to get to the hospital quickly. I knew we didn’t have time to wait for an ambulance so I got her in the car and put it in warp speed. I fully admit that I have no idea who or what we passed on the way – it was a blur.

I also get the part about just wanting to get by everyone else sometimes. Have you seen the street traffic in downtown Portland during the summer and even now while several cruise ships are in port? I’ve always considered myself a slow walker; that is, until I try to get around cruise ship passengers with local tour maps moving at a snail’s pace along the sidewalks.

Today was one of those days where the walkways were filled with passengers from two ships docked in Portland. I really just wanted to get to my car at the end of the day and hightail it out of there. As I was weaving between tourists, I overheard one couple trying to decide on a local restaurant. I asked what they were looking for, and they said they were on a quest for a decent lobster roll. Well, that was easy – there are at least three establishments within a two-block range with delicious lobster rolls on their menu. I pointed them in the direction of one where they could sit outside and enjoy the gorgeous fall weather, and I was on my way.

The good thing about something as simple as recommending a lunch stop is that it relaxes your pace just a little. While my friendly neighborhood SUV driver may not see this, if you’re wondering whether you fit the “in too much of a hurry” category, you just might, as unintentional as that may be.

Fall is fleeting. I hope we all get a chance to slow down and feel the crispness, admire the colors and breathe in the scents of the season. Even if we aren’t tourists, let’s soak up a little bit of their snail’s pace.

— Janine Talbot is adjusting to her empty nest in southern Maine with her spouse of 32 years and two and a half cats. She can be reached at janinevtalbot@gmail.com.